On February 26, The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), owners of FireKeepers Casino Hotel, presented payments related to its 2017 business performance. The group announced its third consecutive new annual record, with combined payments of over $23.7 million to the State of Michigan and the FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board (FLRSB).

The payment to the State of Michigan totals more than $18.1 million, an increase of 5.84 percent over the 2017 payment. The payment to the FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board (FLRSB) of over $5.6 million is 4.62% percent higher than one year ago. Combined contributions total $168,473,743 since FireKeepers Casino Hotel opened in Aug. 2009.

Two checks were presented from NHBP. The first for $18,126,750 was presented to State Senator Michael Nofs, whose 19th District spans Calhoun, Berry and Ionia counties. The second check for $5,656,690 was presented to newly-appointed FLRSB Chairman Derek King, who is also Chairman of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners.

“The leadership and tribal members of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi are proud to honor our agreements and create a positive impact to the State of Michigan and our Local Revenue Sharing Board and we are pleased with the growth displayed at FireKeepers Casino Hotel,” announced Jamie Stuck, Tribal Council Chairman of the NHBP. “The great performance of our FireKeepers team has created new jobs in 2017 and a destination resort that attracts guests from across Michigan plus large sections of Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. The creation of great guest experiences creates a loyal factor that has been the foundation of our substantial revenue growth to support needs in our local communities.”

FireKeepers care for their team members is exemplified by the investment in labor costs, which increased 7.6% in 2017 vs 2016 and cumulative paid labor costs since opening now exceeds $484 million. This investment includes total wages, health insurance, 401(k), and incentives to the 1,742 total team members. FireKeepers was just recognized as One of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in the Nation by The National Association for Business Resources.

The NHBP has also made a concentrated effort to focus FireKeepers Casino Hotel on supporting local businesses and suppliers and extend contributions to the local economy beyond the FLRSB and the distribution to the state. The Tribe’s commitment to local spending has resulted in awarding contracts of more than $41.4 million within the state of Michigan in 2017.